Safavi: Iran Using Its PG Islands As Defense Bases

Tehran, Dec 17, IRNA – Supreme Leader's Senior Advisor Brigadier General Yahya Rahim Safavi said Iran uses its Persian Gulf islands overlooking the Hormuz Strait as territorial defense bases. Making the remark in a gathering here on Sunday focusing on geography, development, defense and security, he noted that Iran’s presence in the Hormuz Strait as the most supreme power in the Persian Gulf region safeguards energy exports to the world. Stressing that Iran is both keen on exporting its energy and safeguarding oil security in the region, Safavi stressed that the Iranian officials believe that regional energy should be exported in full security. Anticipating no military clashes in the Persian Gulf region in near future, he said since the South Asian countries are in dire need of the regional oil, Iran will guarantee export of energy through Hormuz Strait only if it faces no military threats. He said all ships passing through the Persian Gulf must move close to the Iranian islands to get the proper depth of the sea, adding that the Islamic Republic is after providing security for energy exports with the help of the countries located in the south of the Persian Gulf. He called on countries situated in the north and south of the Persian Gulf to enjoy close cooperation with each other to create better economic conditions./end